Bennett Associates (now known as Atkins, Rotherham) has been commissioned on several
occasions to perform site inspections of support systems at Drax Power Station.
The objective of a Site Inspection is to establish that the
existing support system is soundly engineered and fit for purpose.
The inspection is carried out on operational pipe supports and
systems. Our engineer will establish the pipework geometry
from existing drawings or by site observations and then investigate the security
of each support. Such investigation includes loose bolts, standards of welding,
loading of the supports, support alignment and conformity of the specified
design.
A visual inspection of the plant is made to establish the
condition of the supports, and a physical inspection to determine the details of
the supports, their location, any restrictions to the pipework, and whether the
correct load is being carried in hot and cold conditions.
During an inspection the engineer pays particular attention to
structural steelwork, scantlings, condition of spring supports, sling rods, pipe
clips or straps, shackle pins and any other attachments to load bearing
components.
A performance survey comprises a cold and hot survey of the
operational pipework to establish that the movement of the system is within the
design parameters. Cold surveys are conducted during the course of the unit
overhaul. Hot surveys are carried out when the unit is operating at full load
and has been in operation through a minimum of two thermal cycles or eight weeks
sustained operation.
The site inspection is completed by recording and reporting any
observed defects that are present with recommendations to correct the defect.
Minor faults can be repaired by a subcontractor under the supervision of our engineer. The engineer then records the final condition of
all the systems, supports and steelwork and the conformity to design and
standards. If supports do not fully comply with the standards, a ‘fitness for
purpose’ assessment is made and recommendations for modification are submitted.
A data set for all the pipework systems is created or updated as
required. This comprises all known data concerning the pipework systems and is
amended as a consequence of the audits, inspections, surveys and design
modifications performed.
For more information, contact us on 01709-373782 |
